We're going on our first cruise in MAy on the Celebrity Mercury. Our ship will visit KEtchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. If the schedule says we arrive at 7:00am, what time should I expect to get off the ship? I am trying to book excursions on my own and would like to get earlier ones so that I have a block of time to explore the cities after the excursions.

I know it takes a little longer in Sitka, correct? Can someone give me an idea of the amount of time it takes to get off the ship?

Expect about 2 hours in Sitka- be certain to be at the tender ticket area an hour before the posted time. Since ship tours have priority, it is important to attempt to get off on the first tender since the departure times of the tours are not all the first thing in the am and you can count on later arisers. I have always gotten space on the first tender. As for the other ports- it is vital to use the experience of the operator and go with their recommendation for time. They are pros at this.